Political Cartoons During The Great War

During the Great War, or in any war, propaganda becomes a very powerful weapon. Of these propaganda, political cartoons are a bit unique compared to the usual. Political cartoons detail current political affairs in a mostly visualistic cartoon, which can include words. The two political cartoons depict president Woodrow Wilson in situations such as him dealing with public outcry, and the European countries. Both cartoons visualize Wilson in a very important role in politics.
Details on the first image shows a political cartoon of U.S. president Woodrow Wilson dealing with the pressures of the U.S. public. This is evident through the article he grasps in his left hand stating “American ships sunk without warning, American lives lost.” The American public grew further aggravated by the constant U-boat assaults conducted by Germany. This was heavily pressuring on Wilson as he had kept his best to remain neutral and away from European affairs, yet the majority of the American public wants war. In the image he had also been seen signing a document stating congress’ desire to convene as well as with the public. However, none of these had been able to convince Wilson until the Zimmerman telegram.
For context, Wilson wrote a list of points in which how to improve peace aptly named, “the 14 points.” One of these points included the possibility of a global government consisting of nations called the “League of Nations.” In this cartoon, Wilson is picking among which of the European countries (the babies) is the best, in this case, their claims and opinions. The countries are depicted as crying babies because of how they seek attention from Wilson and hope to be picked, in this case, which among the claims should Wilson listen